Seasonal vegetation characteristics in a Spartina foliosa- and Salicornia pacifica-dominated salt marsh at China Camp State Park

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Seasonal vegetation characteristics in a Spartina foliosa- and Salicornia pacifica-dominated salt marsh at China Camp State Park
Abstract:
As part of the San Francisco Bay Marsh Sediment Experiments and hydrodynamic investigations in San Pablo Bay and China Camp Marsh, California, vegetation sampling measurements were taken over several periods at numerous locations. This portion of the data release presents physical characteristics and percent cover data from vegetation plots sampled in China Camp State Park salt marsh (northern San Francisco Bay) in 2015, 2016, and 2017. One-meter quadrats (1m x 1m) were analyzed for percent cover of each vegetation species present, average canopy height, and maximum canopy height. The percent cover was done by visual inspection. A quarter-meter quadrat (0.25m x 0.25m) was then used for stem count and stem diameter measurements. Stem counts were only done for S. foliosa. These quadrats ran along the instruments used to collect sediment and hydrodynamic data, which is described elsewhere in this data release. This survey was conducted on January 23, 2015 (winter conditions) and again on June 6, 2016 (summer conditions). A separate survey was conducted on September 29, 2016 and May 3, 2017, to measure the length, width, and spacing of S. foliosa leaves. Data collected are provided as a comma-delimited spreadsheet (.csv).
Supplemental_Information:
Additional information about the field activities from which these data were derived is available online at: http://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2014-678-FA http://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2016-632-FA
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Lacy, Jessica R., Foster-Martinez, Madeline R., Ferner, Matthew, and Deck, Anna, 2017, Seasonal vegetation characteristics in a Spartina foliosa- and Salicornia pacifica-dominated salt marsh at China Camp State Park: data release DOI:10.5066/F7HM56MX, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Lacy, Jessie R., Allen, Rachel M., Foster-Martinez, Madeline R., Joanne C. T. Ferreira, and O'Neill, Andrea, 2017, Hydrodynamic and sediment transport data from San Pablo Bay and China Camp marsh (northern San Francisco Bay), 2013-2016: data release DOI:10.5066/F7HM56MX, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.4930
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -122.3697
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.0451
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.0060
  3. What does it look like?
    https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/59ee5016e4b0220bbd976242?name=VegetationCharacteristicsSamplingArea.png&allowOpen=true (PNG)
    image showing area of vegetation sampling
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 23-Jan-2015
    Currentness_Reference:
    dates observed
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Comma-separated values spreadsheet (CSV)
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Point (57)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: State Plane Coordinate System 1927
      State_Plane_Coordinate_System:
      SPCS_Zone_Identifier: CCS27 zone 3
      Lambert_Conformal_Conic:
      Standard_Parallel: 37.0666
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -120.5000
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 37.0666
      False_Easting: 2000000
      False_Northing: 500000
      Planar coordinates are encoded using row and column
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1.000000
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 1.000000
      Planar coordinates are specified in meters
      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.400000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.978698214.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Depth_System_Definition:
      Depth_Datum_Name: NAVD88
      Depth_Resolution: 0.001
      Depth_Distance_Units: meters
      Depth_Encoding_Method: Implicit coordinate
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    ChinaCamp_Marsh_Vegetation
    Table containing attribute information associated with the dataset (Source: Producer defined)
    ID
    Vegetation sample ID (Source: Producer defined) Alphanumeric codes to uniquely identify vegetation quadrats or individual plants
    Date Collected
    Date in month/day/year format of sample collection. (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:01/23/2015
    Maximum:05/31/2017
    Sample Type
    Describes the type of sample (Source: Producer defined) Sample types are defined as either Quadrat, Spartina foliosa, or Salicornia pacifica. Quadrats are 1m x 1m areas used for the measurements. Spartina foliosa and Salicornia pacifica refer to individual plants or a collection of those plants (not defined by a quadrat).
    Northing (CA SPC 03, meters)
    Meters east in the State Plane Coordinate system (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:669300.585
    Maximum:669415.331
    Units:m
    Resolution:0.001
    Easting (CA SPC 03, meters)
    Meters east in the State Plane Coordinate system (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1825440.867
    Maximum:1825848.371
    Units:m
    Resolution:0.001
    Elevation (NAVD88, meters)
    Elevation in meters relative to NAVD88 (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.782
    Maximum:2.0
    Units:m
    Resolution:0.001
    Spartina foliosa
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Spartina foliosa; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Salicornia pacifica
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Salicornia pacifica; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Jaumea carnosa
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Jaumea carnosa; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Grindelia stricta
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Grindelia stricta; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Distichlis spicata
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Distichlis spicata; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Frankenia salina
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Frankenia salina; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Cuscuta
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Cuscuta; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Limonium
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Limonium; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Bare
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Bare ground; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Wrack
    Percent cover in a quadrat (1mx1m) of Wrack (not a vegetation type); NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:5
    Stem Density (No/0.0625 square_meter)
    Number of Spartina foliosa stems in a quadrat (0.25m x 0.25m); NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:13
    Maximum:31
    Units:count
    Resolution:1
    Notes
    Notes on the measurement; NA = No notes (Source: Producer defined) Notes that were made at the time of measurement.
    Average height (cm)
    Average canopy height in a quadrat (1mx1m); NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:15
    Maximum:80
    Units:cm
    Resolution:5
    Max Height (cm)
    Maximum height of vegetation in a quadrat (1mx1m); NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:25
    Maximum:95
    Units:cm
    Resolution:1
    Height (cm)
    Height of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:17
    Maximum:94
    Units:cm
    Resolution:1
    Stem width, 1 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 2 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 3 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 4 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 5 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 6 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 7 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 8 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 9 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Stem width, 10 (mm)
    Width of an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:8
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    Height of first leaf from ground (cm)
    Distance between the ground and the first leaf (closest to the ground) on a vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:5
    Maximum:40
    Units:cm
    Resolution:0.5
    Height of second leaf from ground (cm)
    Distance between the ground and the second leaf on a vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:6.5
    Maximum:15
    Units:cm
    Resolution:0.5
    Height of third leaf from ground (cm)
    Distance between the ground and the third leaf on a vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:15.5
    Maximum:17
    Units:cm
    Resolution:0.5
    Total number of leaves (one stem)
    Total number of leaves on an individual vegetation stem; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:8
    Units:count
    Resolution:1
    SPFO leaf width (mm), 1
    Width at the base (where the leaf comes out of the stem) of a Spartina foliosa leaf; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.74
    Maximum:10.92
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    SPFO leaf width (mm), 2
    Width at the base (where the leaf comes out of the stem) of a Spartina foliosa leaf; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.74
    Maximum:10.92
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    SPFO leaf width (mm), 3
    Width at the base (where the leaf comes out of the stem) of a Spartina foliosa leaf; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.74
    Maximum:10.92
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    SPFO leaf width (mm), 4
    Width at the base (where the leaf comes out of the stem) of a Spartina foliosa leaf; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.74
    Maximum:10.92
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    SPFO leaf width (mm), 5
    Width at the base (where the leaf comes out of the stem) of a Spartina foliosa leaf; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.74
    Maximum:10.92
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    SPFO leaf width (mm), 6
    Width at the base (where the leaf comes out of the stem) of a Spartina foliosa leaf; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.74
    Maximum:10.92
    Units:mm
    Resolution:0.01
    leaf length (cm), 1
    Length of a Spartina foliosa leaf from stem to end; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.5
    Maximum:29
    Units:cm
    Resolution:0.5
    leaf length (cm), 2
    Length of a Spartina foliosa leaf from stem to end; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.5
    Maximum:29
    Units:cm
    Resolution:0.5
    leaf length (cm), 3
    Length of a Spartina foliosa leaf from stem to end; NA = Not applicable (not measured) (Source: Producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.5
    Maximum:29
    Units:cm
    Resolution:0.5
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: The first line of the csv file is a header line.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Jessica R. Lacy
    • Madeline R. Foster-Martinez
    • Matthew Ferner
    • Anna Deck
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

Data from these experiments will be used to investigate the spatial and temporal variation in suspended sediment transport at the marsh boundary in order to better inform predictions of marsh resilience, and offer more complete characterizations of sediment transport and conditions within this unique environment. Data can be used to parameterize vegetative drag and understand the effect of the vegetation on wave attenuation.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 06-Jun-2016 (process 1 of 4)
    Percent cover and canopy height were estimated in plots of vegetation in China Camp State Park salt marsh (Northern San Francisco Bay). Measurements were taken of maximum canopy height, stem density, and stem widths. Surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2016. Person who carried out this activity:
    Anna Deck
    San Francisco Bay NERR
    Monitoring Technician
    3152 Paradise Drive
    Tiburon, CA

    415-338-3702 (voice)
    akdeck@sfsu.edu
    Date: 31-May-2017 (process 2 of 4)
    Measurements were taken of vegetation height, stem widths, leaf widths, leaf lengths, and leaf spacing. Surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2017 at China Camp State Park salt marsh (Northern San Francisco Bay). Person who carried out this activity:
    Madeline Foster-Martinez
    UC Berkeley
    Graduate Researcher
    202 O'Brien Hall
    Berkeley, CA

    504-782-2172 (voice)
    madeline@berkeley.edu
    Date: 19-Oct-2020 (process 3 of 4)
    Edited metadata to add keywords section with USGS persistent identifier as theme keyword. No data were changed. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
    Marine Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    vatnipp@usgs.gov
    Date: 13-Oct-2021 (process 4 of 4)
    Performed minor edits to the metadata to correct typos. No data were changed Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: Susan A. Cochran
    Geologist
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-460-7545 (voice)
    scochran@usgs.gov
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    The percent cover was visually estimated to the nearest 5% by two researchers independently in the field (nearest 1% is used if total is <5% or >95%). Absolute cover for each species was estimated, which allows the total cover to be greater than 100%. An average of the researchers' estimates was used if the difference was less than 10%. When differences were greater than 10%, the plot was discussed until a concensus was reached. Canopy heihgt was estimated by placing a meter stick vertically in the center of the quadrat. Maximum height was directly measured with a meter stick. Metrics pertaining to individual stems were measured with calipers.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Horizontal accuracy derived from GPS instrumentation is less than 1 m (less than 5 m for surveys of individual stems). The position and elevation of each quadrat was measured using RTK-GPS; the GPS base station was located on an established benchmark 0.5 km away.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Vertical accuracy derived from GPS instrumentation is less than 0.05 m. The position and elevation of each quadrat was measured using RTK-GPS; the GPS base station was located on an established benchmark 0.5 km away.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Dataset is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    No formal logical accuracy tests were conducted. Data fall within expected ranges.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator(s) of the dataset and in products derived from these data.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable seasonal vegetation charateristic data in csv (comma-delimited spreadsheet) file format.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 13-Oct-2021
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)
pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
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